MONROVIA — Bea Mountain FC have finally found a way past Watanga FC, overcoming the reigning Liberian First Division champions 3–2 on penalties following an entertaining 2–2 draw to lift the Bettomax Champions Cup on Thursday at Tusa Field.
By Christopher C. Walker | [email protected]
The triumph at Tusa Field in Gardnersville not only secured the Gold Boys the coveted trophy and a US$12,000 top prize, but also provided a long-awaited measure of redemption against a club that has dominated their recent head-to-head encounters.
Over 90 minutes of regulation time, the two sides traded blows in a thrilling final that featured four goals, two headed finishes in the space of two minutes, and enough late drama to send the championship to the spot.
Watanga Strike First
The match opened with both sides displaying the early caution expected in a final. However, Watanga gradually asserted control and broke the deadlock in the 37th minute.
Alexander Curtis outleaped the Bea Mountain defense to head home the opener, capitalizing on a moment of defensive hesitation just as Bea Mountain had begun building momentum.
The setback did not demoralize the Gold Boys.
As the interval approached, winger Josiah Lactro produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 45th minute, beating his defender and finishing past the keeper to send the teams into the break tied at 1–1.
Two Goals in Two Minutes
The second half brought increased intensity as both coaches sought the decisive strike.
Bea Mountain struck first in the 74th minute when defender Moses Kamara rose highest to power home a header, putting the Gold Boys ahead 2–1.
Watanga’s response was swift just two minutes later, Ezekiel Leno met a cross in the 76th minute to head past the Bea Mountain goalkeeper, equalizing at 2–2 and setting up a frantic final quarter-hour.
Despite late chances at both ends, neither side could find a late winner before the final whistle.
Redemption from 12 Yards
Having lost the inaugural Bettomax Champions Cup final on penalties to Heaven Eleven, Bea Mountain faced familiar ghosts as the match headed into a shootout. This time, however, the Gold Boys converted their opportunities while Watanga faltered, sealing a 3–2 shootout victory.
The win carries significant psychological weight.
Watanga held a commanding historical record against Bea Mountain winning six of their previous 13 meetings, including a sweep of both league fixtures last season en route to the LFA First Division title.
Bea Mountain reached Thursday’s final following a convincing 3–1 semifinal victory over LISCR FC, powered by a double from Darius Garmondeh and a strike from Emmanuel Williams.
Tournament Rewards & Honors
In addition to the championship trophy, Bea Mountain leaves the tournament with US12,000 in prize money, while Watanga takes home the runners−up honors.
All eight participating LFA First Division clubs received US2,500 in preparation fees ahead of the new domestic season.
Individual honors went to Ralph Weah, who was named Player of the Tournament for his standout performances throughout the competition and US$150,000 individual prize money.
With preseason silverware in hand, Bea Mountain now turns its focus to the upcoming LFA First Division campaign with renewed confidence, having finally rewritten the narrative against their fierce rivals at Tusa Field.
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